Man wanted in connection with Puna shooting

Hawaii County police are asking for the public’s help in finding a man wanted in connection with a shooting in Puna Thursday night that injured a man.

Police said a 26-year-old man with no permanent address was taken to the Pahoa fire station late Thursday night with a gunshot to his lower body and a grazing wound to his head. He was transferred to Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

Police had received reports of an argument and gunshots at a Waa Waa address.

Police said they are seeking Maurice Hackett, 34, who has no permanent address but frequents the Waa Waa area. He is 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, with brown eyes, a beard and black hair worn in dreadlocks. He may be driving a white rented van with no side windows.

Police said Hackett is considered armed and dangerous and caution the public not to approach him. Police have opened an attempted-murder case.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 935-3311.Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.